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Friday, 24 June 2016

EU Referendum: Statement by HG Bishop Angaelos

Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, following the
results of the EU Referendum

24 June
2016

Over this past week, the United Kingdom has experienced a series of
significant, challenging and sometimes painful milestones. With the
long-awaited results of the EU referendum, and the tragic death of Jo Cox MP in
the lead-up, emotions are high and there is potential for hostility and
divisiveness to flourish. There is however the more positive outcome, that these
events serve as a catalyst for a greater unity and a collective stance for the good
of all.

While Jo’s tragic and wasteful death was unequivocally horrific and
heart-breaking, it also gave rise to overwhelming acts of generosity from the
general public and unrivalled comradery in the Houses of Parliament. This
tragedy also sparked a significant conversation on the importance of solidarity
and indiscriminate compassion for humanity, with the hashtags #LoveLikeJo and
#MoreInCommon emerging to diffuse divisive rhetoric and promote understanding
in the public sphere.

It is in this light and
sentiment, and with the outcome of the EU referendum, the United Kingdom must
now pull together, as it has so often done in the past, despite clear
differences in opinion and direction. Division must not be allowed to take
hold, and divisive rhetoric must not take root. While many would have preferred
to see the UK remain in the EU, now is the time for us all as a nation to
accept the decision that we have reached together through the democratic
processes we have upheld for centuries, and indeed advocate for across the world.
It is important for us to commence the healing process that is needed after
these months of committed campaigning, and to comfort all who are now fearful
of the future, and suffering the distress of uncertainty, especially due to the
immediate effects on the economy.

Regardless of what the future holds for the United Kingdom we can
be certain that we are in the hands of a mighty God Who is unchanging and with
us throughout our various challenges. It is our role as Christians, not only to
be stewards and active citizens within our countries, but to provide holistic
support for all who find these events overwhelming and distressing.

We pray for the Prime Minister, our parliament, and all those entrusted with the
leadership of these great nations, confident that the United Kingdom will find
a way to embark on this new stage in history, together united.*Ends*